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Vanderpump Rules star James Kennedy got arrested on suspicion of domestic violence charges hours after attending Kathy Hilton's DIRECTV holiday party on December 10 in Los Angeles. The Burbank Police Department arrested Kennedy at his residence following a 911 call reporting an argument, as reported by PEOPLE.
Officers booked the Vanderpump Rules star on alleged misdemeanor domestic violence charges with bail set at $20,000. Nick Viall shared on The Viall Files podcast of December 12, 2024, that Kennedy allegedly showed aggressive behavior at the party, particularly toward a friend he had just introduced.
The incident occurred after Kennedy allegedly made repeated trips to the bar and maintained a distance from his girlfriend Ally Lewber throughout the evening. As per PEOPLE Magazine, a witness at the scene reported physical contact during the argument, though officers found no visible injuries.
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Nick Viall reveals concerning behavior before Vanderpump Rules star Kennedy's arrest
Kennedy's interactions with his friend
Bachelor Nation star Nick Viall shared a detailed account of Kennedy's behavior shift during the December 10 party. Viall explained that Vanderpump Rules star Kennedy first approached him and his wife Natalie Joy with a warm introduction of his male friend.
The friendly exchange quickly changed tone within minutes. Viall witnessed the Vanderpump Rules star returning to command the same friend, whose name he recalled might have been Sam, to hold his drink.
"I was like, 10 minutes earlier I met this guy who he introduced as his best friend and then 10 minutes later he was barking orders," Viall stated on his podcast.
Viall also stated,
"James walks by, and then James turns around and he says to his friend — I forgot his friend's name. Let's say his friend's name is Sam. And [James] goes, 'Sam! Hold this! Now.' ... And his friend just grabbed the drink and James kept walking and I was like ... That was insane.'"
Natalie Joy missed seeing this interaction as she was speaking with another party guest.
Kennedy's overall party behavior
As per PEOPLE Magazine, Kennedy made forceful physical contact with multiple guests while moving through the party space. The witness described the Vanderpump Rules star allegedly appearing unsteady as he made continuous trips back and forth to the bar area.
Additional attendees noted Kennedy's minimal interaction with girlfriend Ally Lewber, who spent time reading Kathy Hilton's birth chart during the event.
Multiple witnesses confirmed Vanderpump Rules star's agitated movements throughout different sections of the party space. Party staff observed Kennedy's repeated returns to the bar area over several hours, as reported by PEOPLE.
Timeline of events
The evening began at Kathy Hilton's DIRECTV holiday party where James Kennedy and Ally Lewber arrived separately. Lewber participated in the party activities by reading Hilton's birth chart while Kennedy moved through different areas of the residence. After several hours at the gathering, Vanderpump Rules star left the Hilton home.
At approximately 11:30 PM, law enforcement received a distress call from Kennedy's residence in Burbank. A police spokesperson confirmed to PEOPLE that officers arrived at the home following reports of an argument. The officers investigated the scene and determined a domestic incident had occurred.
Kennedy underwent booking procedures at the Burbank Police Station. He secured his release after posting the required $20,000 bail amount, as reported by TMZ.
As per Daily Mail, James Kennedy was spotted outside his Burbank residence on Thursday following his release. Kennedy reportedly picked up an UberEats delivery order from his porch before returning inside. Police confirmed formal charges are still pending review by the Burbank City Attorney's office, as reported by PEOPLE.
Vanderpump Rules is returning with season 12 featuring a completely new cast. The release date is yet to be announced.
